Paintball marker with configurable supply line

ABSTRACT

A paintball marker with a barrel that is coupled to a receiver. A valve arrangement is provided to selectively vent gas to propel projectiles through the barrel responsive to actuation of a firing mechanism. The marker may be configured to provide fluid communication between the valve arrangement and a compressed gas source through either a first supply line passageway or a second supply line passageway.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 12/016,370, filed Jan. 18, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,699,047), whichclaimed priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/880,989, filedon Jan. 18, 2007. The entire disclosure of these applications is herebyincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to paintball markers and likedevices for firing frangible projectiles.

BACKGROUND

Paintball is a popular sport in which opposing sides attempt to seek outand “shoot” one another with paintballs. Players use paintball markers(also known as paintball guns) to propel the paintballs with compressedgas or combustible fuel. The paintballs are designed to break uponimpact and leave a visible mark.

Since paintball games often simulate combat, paintball markers thatresemble military equipment are desirable to increase the realism of theexperience. For example, paintball markers have been modified toresemble assault rifles, sniper rifles, etc. In some cases, however,such modifications can be difficult to install and remove. Moreover, themodifications may detract from the marker's functionality andreliability.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, the invention provides a paintball marker. Inone embodiment, the marker includes a barrel through which projectilesare fired. A receiver may be provided with a front portion coupled withthe barrel and a rear portion configured to receive a rear stock. Insome cases, the receiver includes a grip portion for a user to graspduring operation. The marker may include a hopper configured to providea supply of projectiles to the receiver. A valve arrangement may beincluded that is configured to selectively vent gas to propelprojectiles through the barrel. The marker may have a firing mechanismadapted to actuate the valve arrangement. A first internal passagewaymay be defined in the receiver that is configured to provide fluidcommunication between the valve arrangement and a source of compressedgas. In some cases, the first internal passageway extends through thegrip portion. A second internal passageway may be defined in thereceiver that is configured to provide fluid communication between thevalve arrangement and a source of compressed gas. In some cases, thesecond internal passageway could extend to the rear portion of thereceiver.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparentto those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of the illustrated embodiment exemplifying the best mode ofcarrying out the invention as presently perceived. It is intended thatall such additional features and advantages be included within thisdescription and be within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description references the attached drawings which weregiven as non-limiting examples only, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example paintball marker constructedaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the example paintball marker shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a left side view of the example paintball marker shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the grip assembly for the example paintballmarker shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the example paintball marker shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the example paintball marker shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the example paintball marker shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the example paintball marker shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the example paintball marker shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a detailed perspective view of the forestock shown in theexample paintball marker in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10A is an exploded view of the forestock shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 11 is a detail perspective view of an alternative forestock thatmay be used with the example paintball in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example tool box constructed inaccordance with the embodiment of the invention in which the tool box isin an open position to show items disposed therein;

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view showing the first and secondsupply lines in the example paintball marker in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view showing the second supply lineportion of the example paintball marker shown in FIG. 1, with an examplerear stock attached to the marker;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the example paintball marker shownin FIG. 14, with a cross-sectional view of an example rear stockattached to the marker;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the example paintball marker shownin FIG. 15, with the rearstock detached from the marker;

FIG. 17 is a detailed perspective view of a portion of a receiveraccording to an alternative embodiment;

FIGS. 18A-18C show example rear stocks that may be attached to themarker;

FIGS. 19A-19E show example forestocks that may be attached to themarker;

FIGS. 20A-20E show example tool boxes that resemble magazines;

FIGS. 21A-21D show example front sights and handles that may beconnected to the marker;

FIG. 22 shows an example vertical handle that may be connected to themarker;

FIG. 23 is a side cross-sectional view showing a first supply lineportion of an example paintball according to another embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view along line 24-24 of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a side cross-sectional view showing a second supply lineportion of an example paintball according to another embodiment; and

FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of the example second supply line portionshown in FIG. 25.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein areillustrative and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-9 illustrate an example paintball marker 100 constructedaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. The invention couldbe implemented in a manual, semi-automatic, or automatic marker, eventhough a semi-automatic marker is shown for purposes of illustration. Itshould be appreciated that the marker 100 could use a variety ofpropellants to propel paintballs (or other projectiles) from the marker100. The term “propellant” is broadly intended to encompass bothcompressed gas, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen, as well ascombustible fuel, such as propane, butane, andmethylacetylene-propadiene (“MAPP”).

In the example shown, the marker 100 includes a barrel 102 through whichprojectiles may be propelled. As shown, the barrel 102 is coupled with areceiver 104, which defines an interior cavity dimensioned to houseinternal components of the marker 100. As used herein, the term“coupled” is broadly intended to encompass both direct and indirectconnections. Typically, the barrel 102 includes external threads thatmay be received by internal threads in the receiver 104. By way of otherexamples, the barrel 102 may attach to the receiver 104 with aninterference fit, frictional fit, or unitary formation. The receiver 104may be formed from a variety of materials, such as aluminum, stainlesssteel, magnesium, or composites. In embodiments in which the receiver104 is made of magnesium, it has been found that the production moldslast substantially longer than that of aluminum. In some embodiments,the receiver 104 may have a clamshell-type body.

In the embodiment shown, the marker 100 includes a forestock 106. Asbest seen in FIGS. 10 and 10A, the forestock 106 may include a bore 107dimensioned to receive the barrel 102. Preferably, the forestock 106 maybe detachably coupled to the receiver 104. In the example shown, a firstpin 108 and a second pin 110 extend through holes 111 in the forestock106 and holes 113 in the receiver 104 (FIG. 2), thereby coupling theforestock 106 to the receiver 104. In this example, the forestock 106may be detached from the receiver 104 by removing the pins 108 and 110and sliding the forestock 106 off the barrel 102. Conversely, a user maymount the forestock 106 to the marker 100 by sliding the forestock 106over the barrel 102 such that the holes 111 in the forestock 106 and theholes 113 in the receiver 104 are aligned. The pins 108 and 110 may thenbe moved through the forestock 106 and receiver 104 to couple theforestock 106 to the receiver 104. As best seen in FIG. 7, the pins 108and 110 may include a bias member 105 to prevent accidental removal ofthe pins 108 and 110. Although the first pin 108 and second pin 110 areshown for purposes of illustration, it should be appreciated that otherquick connections may be used to couple the forestock 106 to thereceiver 104.

In some cases, the forestock 106 may be associated with a barrel adapter109. The barrel adapter 109 (best seen in FIG. 10A) allows a user toconfigure the marker 100 with barrels of different diameters. Consider asituation in which a user desires to use barrels with either a ⅞ inchdiameter or a 1 inch diameter. The bore 107 could be dimensioned toreceive the 1 inch barrel. If the ⅞ inch barrel is desired to be used,the user would place the barrel through the adapter 109. In thisexample, the opening in the adapter 109 would be dimensioned to receivethe barrel, which is ⅞ inch in this example. The outer diameter of theadapter 109 would be dimensioned to be received by the bore 107, or 1inch in this example. As shown, the adapter is received in a recess 115formed in the forestock 106.

In some embodiments, the forestock 106 may include a bottom rail 112, aside rail 114, and/or a top rail 116 for mounting accessories, such assites, scopes, etc. In the example shown, the marker 100 includes afront site 118 mounted to the top rail 116. It should be appreciatedthat the marker 100 could be customized with other types of sites, suchas those shown in FIGS. 21A-2113. By way of a further example, avertical handle, such as shown in FIG. 22, could be attached to thebottom rail 112.

Preferably, the user may select between a plurality of interchangeableforestocks, which each allow a suitable quick connection with thereceiver 104 to customize the marker 100. For example, if the receiver104 includes holes 113, each of the forestocks could include holes 111to allow a quick connection using pins 108 and 110. Example forestocksthat could be used with the marker 100 are illustrated in FIGS. 19A-19E.It should be appreciated that other styles of forestocks could be usedwith the marker 100.

In some embodiments, the marker 100 may include a tool box 120 forstoring one or more items. In this embodiment, the tool box 120 iscoupled with and extends from the receiver 104. Typically, the tool box120 is detachably coupled with the receiver 104; however, the tool box120 could be integral with or permanently affixed to the receiver 104.Embodiments are also contemplated in which the tool box 120 could be aninternal storage compartment in the receiver 104 that could be accessedby a user.

Preferably, the tool box 120 resembles a magazine that feeds projectilesinto the receiver. Instead of feeding projectiles into the receiver 104,however, the tool box 120 would typically hold tools for maintaining themarker 100, including but not limited to hex wrenches or a tube of oil.As shown, the tool box 120 includes a slot 122 dimensioned to receive afirst supply line 124. In other embodiments, the tool box 120 couldinclude a connection for coupling the first supply line 124. Preferably,the first supply line 124 provides a source of compressed gas for avalve arrangement 178 within the marker 100 (see FIG. 13). In somecases, if the marker 100 were a combustible fuel powered marker, thefirst supply line 124 may provide a supply of fuel, such as propane, toa combustion chamber within the marker 100.

The tool box 120 may include an internal storage compartment for storingitems, such as tools. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the tool box 120includes a first side 130 and a second side 132 pivotally coupled with abottom 134. Although the embodiment shown includes an open top, the toolbox 120 may be entirely closed, since projectiles are not fed into thereceiver 104 from the tool box 120 in this embodiment.

As shown, the tool box 120 includes a first hinge 136 and a second hinge138 that allow the first side 130 and second side 132 to pivot,respectively. In this example, the hinges 136 and 138 are living hinges,but separate hinges could be coupled with the sides 130 and 132 andbottom 134 in some cases. It should be appreciated that other pivotalconnections could also be used. Although this example shows the tool box120 hinged at the bottom 134, it should be appreciated that the tool box120 could be hinged at the sides 130 and 132, or the top, or not hingedat all.

In some cases, the tool box's 120 interior may include tool holdersconfigured to receive a specific arrangement of tools (or other items).In the example shown, the tool box 120 includes slots 140 dimensioned toreceive hex wrenches 142 in the first side 130 of the tool box 120. Thesecond side 132 includes complementary ridges 144 configured to closethe slots 140 when the tool box 120 is closed, thereby holding thewrenches 142 in place. In this example, the first side 130 of the toolbox 120 also includes an area for a tube of oil 146 that could be usedto maintain the marker 100. It should be appreciated that the internalcavity of the tool box 120 could be configured to hold a variety oftools, accessories, or other items.

In the example shown, the tool box 120 includes an opening 143dimensioned to receive an internal latch 145 when the tool box 120 isclosed. In this example, the tool box 120 includes an opening 147dimensioned to receive a latch mechanism in a tool box mount 121 fordetachably coupling the tool box 120 to the receiver 104.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-9, the marker 100 preferably includes a toolbox mount 121 configured to receive the tool box 120. As shown, the toolbox mount 121 includes a release button 123 (best seen in FIG. 5) thatcontrols a latch mechanism associated with the tool box mount 121. Inthe example shown, the latch mechanism engages the opening 147 in thetool box 120 to selectively release the tool box 120 from the tool boxmount 121. It should be appreciated that a variety of mechanisms couldbe used to detachably couple the tool 120 with the tool box mount 121,such as an interference fit, frictional fit, magnets, etc.

In the example shown (as best seen in FIG. 2), the tool box mount 121 iscoupled with the receiver 104 using an interference fit. As shown, thereceiver 104 includes ridges 129 that extend from the receiver 104. Thetop portion of the tool box mount 121 includes grooves 125 formed in aflange 127 that are configured to receive the ridges 129. To couple thetool box mount 121 to the receiver 104, the user would align the grooves125 with the ridges 129, such that the ridges 129 extend through thegrooves 125. The tool box mount 121 may then be moved toward the barrel102 in the example shown such that the flange 127 creates aninterference fit with the ridges 129. The user may detach the tool boxmount 121 by moving the tool box mount 121 in an opposite direction(away from the barrel 102 in this example) until the ridges 129 arealigned with the grooves 125. Other mechanisms, such as a frictionalfit, could also be used to couple the tool box mount 121 with thereceiver 104.

Preferably, a plurality of interchangeable tool boxes and tool boxmounts may be provided to allow customization of the marker 100.Typically, each of the tool boxes includes an interior cavity forstoring items, such as tools. Examples of tool boxes that resemblemagazines of types used for feeding projectiles into the receivers ofactual firearms are shown in FIGS. 20A-20E. It should be appreciatedthat other styles could also be provided. The tool box 120 may be formedfrom a variety of materials, including but not limited to plastic,aluminum and magnesium.

The marker 100 may include a grip assembly 146. In the example shown,the grip assembly 146 includes a grip 148 that is dimensioned for a userto grasp. The grip assembly 146 includes a trigger 150 for actuation bythe user to fire the marker 100. The trigger 150 may mechanically and/orelectrically selectively fire the marker 100. In the example shown, thetrigger 150 is surrounded by a trigger guard 152. As shown, the marker100 includes a safety 154. In the position shown in FIG. 1, the safety154 prevents the marker 100 from firing; if moved to a fire position,the safety 154 allows the marker 100 to fire projectiles. Although theexample shown includes a lever for actuating the safety 154, it shouldbe appreciated that other forms of safety could be used.

In some embodiments, the grip assembly 146 may be detachably coupledwith the receiver 104. As shown, the grip assembly 146 includes a hole155 that is alignable with a hole 157 in the receiver 104 through whicha pin 156 may be received. By removing the pin 156 (and the lower pin170), the grip assembly 146 may be detached from the receiver 104. Inthe example shown, the lower portion of the grip 148 includes an adaptor158 configured to receive a propellant source, such as a canister ofcarbon dioxide or nitrogen. As discussed below, the adaptor 158 andfirst supply line 124 are optional, depending on whether the rear stockattached to the receiver 104 includes an internal passageway 186 forconnection to a propellant source (See FIGS. 15-16).

In the example shown, a picatinny rail 160 is attached to a top portionof the receiver 104. The picatinny rail 160 may be used to add risers,sites, handles, or other items to the receiver 104. As shown, a rearsight 161 is coupled to the picatinny rail 160. By way of anotherexample, carry handles, such as shown in FIGS. 21 c-21 d, could bemounted to the picatinny rail 160.

In the embodiment shown, the marker 100 includes a hopper 162 forholding a plurality of projectiles to be fired. As shown, the hopper 162includes a lid 164 pivotably mounted to the hopper 162 to selectivelyopen/close an opening to the hopper 162. Preferably the hopper 162 has alow profile to reduce the target area of the user and to allow a betterline of site to fire the marker 100. By way of example only, the hopper162 may have a length that is more than three times its height in somecases (see FIG. 3). As shown, the hopper 162 is offset from the receiver104 to allow a better line of site for the user to fire the marker 100.However, the hopper 162 could be coupled to the receiver 104 on the top(e.g., picatinny rail 160) or other location of the receiver 104.

In some cases, the hopper 162 may be coupled with a feed mechanism 166that feeds projectiles into the receiver 104. An example feed mechanismthat could be used with the marker 100 is shown in U.S. Pat. No.6,739,323, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Instead of a separate feed mechanism, the hopper 162 may include anintegral feed mechanism in some embodiments. For example, the hopper 162may be an agitating or force-fed hopper. In some cases, the projectilesmay be gravity fed into the receiver 104. For example, the lower portionof the hopper 162 may include a passage that is coupled directly withthe receiver 104, so that projectiles may be fed one-by-one through thepassage into the receiver 104. In some embodiments, the receiver 104 (orother portion of the marker 100) may include an internal cavity forreceiving a plurality of projectiles. By way of another example, thereceiver 104 may be stick fed with projectiles.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9, the marker 100 includes adetachable end cap 168. If the user desires to have a rear stock, theend cap 168 may be removed and a rear stock coupled to the receiver 104(see FIGS. 14-16). In the example shown, pins 170 pass throughprojections 172 (see FIGS. 2 and 13) in the end cap 168 and holes in thereceiver 104 and grip assembly 146. Removal of the pins 170 allows theuser to detach the end cap 168 from the receiver 104. In the exampleshown, the end cap 168 includes an optional ring 174 that user may graspto remove the end cap 168. As discussed below, a plurality ofinterchangeable rear stocks may be substituted for the end cap 168 tocustomize the marker 100. Preferably, each of the rear stocks includesimilarly arranged holes such that the rear stocks may be attached tothe receiver 104 using the pins 170. Examples of rear stocks that couldbe used with the marker 100 are shown in FIGS. 18A-18C.

Referring now to FIG. 13, there is shown a detailed cross-sectional viewof the marker 100. As shown, a sear 188 is interposed between thetrigger 150 and a rear bolt 190. In this example, the sear 188 isdisposed on pivot pin 192 and is biased by spring 194 toward engagementof the rear bolt 190. When the marker 100 is in the cocked position,actuation of the trigger 150 releases the rear bolt 190 from the sear188. In the example shown, the marker 100 is in the cocked position whenthe rear bolt 190 is in a rearward position in which the sear 188prevents forward movement of the rear bolt 190. In the example shown,the marker 100 moves to a discharge position by releasing the rear bolt190 from the sear 188 due to user actuation of the trigger 150. Itshould be appreciated that other trigger assemblies, both mechanical andelectrical, may be suitable to selectively fire the marker 100 and arecontemplated herein.

In the example shown, the rear bolt 190 moves under the bias of drivespring 196 upon actuation of the trigger 150. A pin 198 is disposedwithin the spring 196 in the example shown. The rear bolt 190 is coupledto a front bolt 200 via a linkage arm 202 in the example shown. Thiscauses concomitant movement of the front bolt 200 with the movement ofthe rear bolt 190. The front bolt 200 is adapted to push a projectileinto the barrel 102 during firing.

The bias of drive spring 196 on rear bolt 190 causes rear bolt 190 todepress an impact pin 204 on the valve assembly 178, which causes thevalve assembly 178 to release a quantity of compressed gas, therebycausing a projectile to be propelled out the barrel 102. Anotherquantity of compressed gas may be released on the side of valve assembly178 in which the rear bolt 190 is disposed, which will recoil the rearbolt 190 to the cocked position. Example valve arrangements and firingmechanisms that could be used are shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,189,609, 5,722,383, and 6,550,468, which are each hereby incorporatedby reference.

In the embodiment shown, a second supply line 176 can be seen.Preferably, the marker 100 may be configured such that either the firstsupply line 124 or the second supply line 176 may supply the valvearrangement 178 with a propellant with which the projectiles may befired. Preferably, the first supply line 124 or the second supply line176 provides compressed gas, such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen, to thevalve arrangement 178. As discussed above, however, the supply lines 124or 176 could provide fluid communication with a supply of combustiblefuel in some embodiments.

In this example, the marker 100 includes a coupling 180 associated withthe first supply line 124. Typically, the user would choose between thefirst supply line 124 and the second supply line 176. If the userdecided to use the first supply line 124, the user would put the firstsupply line 124 and coupling 180 associated with the first supply line124 into the receiver. This would supply compressed gas to the valvearrangement 178 via the first supply line 124. A passageway is definedin the receiver 104 for receiving the second supply line 176.Preferably, the passageway extends from the valve arrangement to therear portion of the receiver 104 so that the second supply line 176 maybe aligned with a passage with a rear stock which is in fluidcommunication with a supply of compressed gas. If the user desired touse the second supply line 176, the first supply line and associatedcoupling 180 would typically be removed and the second supply line andan associated coupling 180 inserted into the passageway. The coupling180 provides the valve arrangement 178 with a supply of compressed gasfrom the first supply line in the example shown.

In some cases, the coupling 180 may be configured to receive both thefirst supply line 124 and the second supply line 176. For example, thecoupling 180 may include a first check valve (not shown) at the inlet ofthe first supply line 124 into the coupling 180 and a second check valve(not shown) at the inlet of the second supply line 176 into the coupling180. With this arrangement, the inlets would only be open due to thesupply of compressed gas to open a respective check valve. It should beappreciated that other mechanisms, both mechanical and electrical, couldbe used to selectively supply the valve arrangement 176 with a flow ofcompressed air from either the first supply line 124 or the secondsupply line 176. In some embodiments, the coupling 180 could beconfigured to supply compressed air from both the first supply line 124and the second supply line 176. In the example shown in FIG. 13, thesecond supply line 176 does not supply compressed gas to the valvearrangement 178 due to the end cap 178 being connected to the receiver104. As discussed below, the second supply line 176 may continue flowingthrough the rear stock, which may be connected with a source ofcompressed gas.

FIG. 14 shows an example in which a rear stock 182 has been coupled withthe receiver 104. In the example shown, the rear stock 182 includes aprojection 184 with holes dimensioned to receive the pins 170.Accordingly, a user may customize a marker 100 with a plurality ofinterchangeable rear stocks that may be coupled to the receiver 104.Examples of rear stocks that may be coupled to the marker 100 are shownin FIGS. 18A-18C. It should be appreciated that other types of rearstocks could also be provided.

FIGS. 15-16 show the example embodiment of FIG. 14 with the rear stock182 shown in sectional view. As shown, the rear stock 182 includes apassageway 186 that is in fluid communication with the second supplyline 176. The passageway 186 may be in fluid communication with thesupply of compressed gas (or other propellant), thereby providingcompressed gas to the valve arrangement 178. In some cases, the rearstock 184 may include a recess 205 for receiving an end of the pin 198.

FIG. 17 shows the right half of an example receiver 104. Although theexample receiver 104 shown includes holes that could be used for quickconnections of rear stocks, fore stocks, etc., this receiver 104 couldalso be used with a marker without such customization features. In somecases, the valve assembly 178 may be tapped to supply compressed gas forother functions associated with the marker 100. For example, the feedmechanism 166 could be pneumatically actuated with compressed gas tappedoff the valve assembly. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,739,323 shows afeed mechanism that may be pneumatically actuated. By way of anotherexample, U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,468 shows a trigger assist that may bepneumatically actuated. In receivers formed by two halves that areconnected together, such as the example half shown, gas that is tappedoff the valve assembly 178 tends to escape through the seam between thehalves of the receiver 104.

In the example shown, the receiver 104 includes a groove 206 dimensionedto receive a seal 208, such as an O-ring. Preferably, the groove 206 issubstantially elliptical in shape, which retains the seal 208 without afastener or adhesive. The groove 206 and seal 208 are disposed withinthe receiver 104 preferably adjacent the portion of the valve assembly178 that is tapped to prevent escape of gas through the seam in thereceiver 104. As shown, a first outlet port 210 and a second outlet port212, which are associated with tapped portions of the valve assembly178, are disposed within the groove. Additionally, outlet ports (or asingle outlet port) may be provided.

FIGS. 23-25 show another embodiment in which the valve arrangement 178may be supplied with a compressed gas (or other propellant) througheither a first supply line 250 or a second supply line 252. The user maychose whether to connect the first supply line 250 or the second supplyline 252 to a source of compressed gas. Preferably, the first supplyline 250 or the second supply line 252 provides compressed gas, such ascarbon dioxide or nitrogen, to the valve arrangement 178. As discussedabove, however, the supply lines 250 or 252 could provide fluidcommunication with a supply of combustible fuel in some embodiments.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show an embodiment in which the first supply line 250extends internally through the grip 148 to provide fluid communicationbetween the valve arrangement 178 and a source of compressed gas (notshown). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 23, the compressed gas sourcemay enter the first supply line 250 through a tank adapter 254. Forexample, a canister of compressed gas, such as carbon dioxide ornitrogen, may include external threads that mate with internal threads256 of the tank adapter 254. As best seen in FIG. 24, compressed gasflows through an adapter passageway 258 defined in the tank adapter 254.The adapter passageway 258 is in fluid communication with the firstsupply line 250 through a coupling 259. Accordingly, the compressed gasflows from the adapter passageway 258 into the first supply line 250. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 23, for example, the compressed gas flowsthrough a grip passageway 260. The compressed gas continues to flow intoa first segment 262, a second segment 264, and a third segment 266 tosupply the compressed gas to the valve arrangement 178. With thisembodiment using an internal passageway for the first supply line 250,the user may connect the compressed gas source to the tank adapter 254without the use of an external supply line, which allows the marker tohave a more realistic appearance. In the example shown in FIG. 23, thesecond supply line 252 does not supply compressed gas to the valvearrangement 178 due to the end cap 168 being connected to the receiver104.

FIGS. 25 and 26 show an embodiment in which the second supply line 252extends internally to a rearward portion of the receiver 104 to providefluid communication between the valve arrangement 178 and a source ofcompressed gas (not shown). Preferably, the second supply line 252extends from the valve arrangement 178 to the rear portion of thereceiver 104. For example, this allows the second supply line 252 to bealigned with a passage with a rear stock which is in fluid communicationwith a supply of compressed gas, similar to the arrangement shown inFIGS. 14 and 15. In the embodiment shown, the second supply line 252includes an inlet port 268 that may be connected with a passageway in arear stock, which is in fluid communication with a compressed gassource. The compressed gas continues to flow into the first segment 262,the second segment 264, and the third segment 266 to supply thecompressed gas to the valve arrangement 178. If the user desires to usethe second supply line 252, the tank adapter 254 may be removed, whichallows the marker to have a more realistic appearance.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference toparticular means, materials and embodiments, from the foregoingdescription, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essentialcharacteristics of the invention and various changes and modificationsmay be made to adapt the various uses and characteristics withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A paintball marker comprising: a barrel; a receiver with a frontportion coupled with the barrel and a rear portion configured to receivea rear stock, wherein the receiver includes a grip portion for a user tograsp during operation; a hopper configured to provide a supply ofprojectiles to the receiver; a valve arrangement configured toselectively vent gas to propel projectiles through the barrel; a firingmechanism adapted to actuate the valve arrangement; a first internalpassageway defined in the receiver that is configured to provide fluidcommunication between the valve arrangement and a source of compressedgas, wherein at least a portion of the first internal passageway extendsthrough the grip portion; and a second internal passageway defined inthe receiver that is configured to provide fluid communication betweenthe valve arrangement and a source of compressed gas, wherein the secondinternal passageway extends to the rear portion of the receiver.
 2. Thepaintball marker of claim 1, further comprising a tank adapter coupledwith the grip portion, wherein the tank adapter includes an adapterpassageway that is configured to provide fluid communication between acompressed gas source and the first internal passageway.
 3. Thepaintball marker of claim 2, further comprising a coupling at leastpartially received in the tank adaptor that is configured to providefluid communication between the first internal passageway and theadapter passageway.
 4. The paintball marker of claim 2, wherein thefirst internal passageway defines an opening in a bottom surface of thegrip portion.
 5. The paintball marker of claim 4, wherein at least aportion of the adapter passageway is aligned with the opening in thebottom surface of the grip portion.
 6. The paintball marker of claim 1,further comprising a rear stock coupled with the rear portion of thereceiver, wherein the rear stock includes an internal passageway that isconfigured to provide fluid communication between a compressed gassource and the second internal passageway.
 7. The paintball marker ofclaim 6, wherein the internal passageway in the rear stock extendsapproximately along a longitudinally axis of the rear stock.
 8. Thepaintball marker of claim 7, wherein the internal passageway in the rearstock extends substantially an entire length of the rear stock.
 9. Thepaintball marker of claim 6, wherein the second internal passagewaydefines an opening in the rear portion of the receiver.
 10. Thepaintball marker of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the internalpassageway in the rear stock is aligned with the opening in the bottomsurface of the grip portion.
 11. The paintball marker of claim 1,wherein the first internal passageway and the second internal passagewaymerge into a third internal passageway defined in the receiver that isin fluid communication with the valve arrangement.
 12. A paintballmarker comprising: a barrel; a hopper configured to provide a supply ofprojectiles to the receiver; a valve arrangement configured toselectively vent gas to propel projectiles through the barrel; a firingmechanism adapted to actuate the valve arrangement; and a receivercoupled with the barrel, wherein the receiver includes a grip portionfor a user to grasp during operation, wherein the receiver defines aninternal passageway that extends between the valve arrangement and thegrip portion to provide fluid communication between the valvearrangement and a source of compressed gas.
 13. The paintball marker ofclaim 12, wherein the internal passageway defines an opening in a bottomsurface of the grip portion.
 14. The paintball marker of claim 12,further comprising a tank adapter coupled with the grip portion, whereinthe tank adapter includes an adapter passageway that is configured toprovide fluid communication between a compressed gas source and theinternal passageway.
 15. The paintball marker of claim 14, furthercomprising a coupling at least partially received in the tank adaptorthat is configured to provide fluid communication between the internalpassageway and the adapter passageway.
 16. The paintball marker of claim14, wherein at least a portion of the adapter passageway is aligned withan opening in a bottom surface of the grip portion.
 17. A paintballmarker comprising: a barrel; a hopper configured to provide a supply ofprojectiles to the receiver; a valve arrangement configured toselectively vent gas to propel projectiles through the barrel; a firingmechanism adapted to actuate the valve arrangement; and a receiver witha front portion coupled with the barrel and a rear portion configured toreceive a rear stock, wherein the receiver defines an internalpassageway that is configured to provide fluid communication between thevalve arrangement and a source of compressed gas, wherein the internalpassageway extends from the valve arrangement to the rear portion of thereceiver.
 18. The paintball marker of claim 17, wherein the internalpassageway includes an inlet port that extends through the rear portionof the receiver.
 19. The paintball marker of claim 17, furthercomprising a rear stock coupled with the rear portion of the receiver,wherein the rear stock includes an internal passageway that isconfigured to provide fluid communication between a compressed gassource and the internal passageway defined in the receiver.
 20. Thepaintball marker of claim 19, wherein the internal passageway in therear stock extends approximately along a longitudinally axis of the rearstock.
 21. The paintball marker of claim 20, wherein the internalpassageway in the rear stock extends substantially an entire length ofthe rear stock.
 22. The paintball marker of claim 19, wherein at least aportion of the internal passageway in the rear stock is aligned with aninlet port that extends through the rear portion of the receiver.
 23. Apaintball marker comprising: a barrel; a receiver coupled with thebarrel, wherein the receiver includes a first supply line passagewayconfigured to provide fluid communication between a compressed gassource and the valve arrangement, wherein the receiver includes a secondsupply line passageway configured to provide fluid communication betweena compressed gas source and the valve arrangement; a hopper configuredto provide a supply of projectiles to the receiver; a valve arrangementconfigured to selectively vent gas to propel projectiles through thebarrel; a firing mechanism adapted to actuate the valve arrangement; andwherein the receiver is configured to provide fluid communicationbetween the valve arrangement and a compressed gas source through eitherthe first supply line passageway or the second supply line passageway.24. The paintball marker of claim 23, wherein the first supply linepassageway extends through at least a portion of the grip.
 25. Thepaintball marker of claim 24, wherein the second supply line passagewayextends to the rear portion of the receiver.
 26. The paintball marker ofclaim 25, further comprising a rear stock that is configured to beconnected with the rear portion of the receiver, wherein the rear stockincludes an internal passageway that is configured to be in fluidcommunication with the second supply line.